photo credit: Lars Plougmann via photopin cc
The last week We started talking about the importance that some professionals are giving to the fact learn programming from children. We discuss the benefits of this activity and made mention of some studies show that it is possible to start programming even from the 6 years old.
In today's post, let's look at some of the tools most commonly used for this purpose, although not the only.
Before you start it is important that we clarify some concepts, and we will do based on the first tool I will speak, Scratch.
First, for those who do not are very familiar with this area, one thing to talk about programming language, in this case, Small Talk, another thing to talk about the language implementation, in the case of Small Talk is Squeak and, by last, the tool used, in this example Scratch.
It is important that we clarify this, because in this post we will talk basically tools, but not in all cases of tools that work directly programming. I will also mention of a tool, Lightbot, working concepts associated programming knowledge or areas associated with the programming as algorithmic thinking.
This is probably the best known tool used to teach programming to children and adolescents.
One of the distinguishing features of this tool is the use of block, that they are united to form small fragments of code allowing you to create interactive stories, animations and games.
Last week we discussed the importance of motivators to reach children. For Scratch these elements are:
- Users can add their own drawings, and multimedia creations. Something that motivates them more to creating their own digital products.
- Further, too easy share creations performed with other users.
I leave a video to give you an idea of how this tool works.
In this case, not talking about a tool to teach programming of "direct", it is rather, as we mentioned at the beginning, a tool for the kids to learn the main programming concepts and develop algorithmic thinking.
What I liked about this App is that you have a version, Lightbot Junior, destined to children of 4 a 8 years old, and other more advanced version for children from 9 years old.
If you want to try before you download, You can enter the web version. This trial version is called “Hour of Code” and is an initiative developed by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org, association which we discussed last week. The objective of this initiative, It is to introduce a million students in the world of programming through an hour of practice.
With this tool mainly children develop algorithmic thinking, as they have to structuring steps and sequences to achieve "solve" a problem: the doll reaches the set area.
The algorithmic thinking is the basis for programming, therefore, when we spoke last week to learn programming, no we referred to program with complicated languages. We're talking about making children think logically, since the use of algorithmic thinking will serve in many facets of his life and solving everyday problems effectively.
This is another very simple and intuitive tool to introduce kids into programming. Is available in App Store.
Through dinosaur Daisy, the kids learn to sequence a series of orders to get the sympathetic character move.
This tool is intended for slightly older children, but still very attractive to children and adolescents.
It is based on an innovative programming environment and offers the possibility of creating animated movies and simple video games through 3D animations.
This program offers tools and materials to teach and learn programming, problem solving and algorithmic thinking to develop a wide range of ages.
CONCLUSION.
As you can see, disponéis of tools that can be used both at home and at school, to introduce children to the world of programming even from the 4 years old.
But, above all, I think it's important that we stay with an idea. Programming at an early age does not mean that we "create" little geniuses. The programming offers us the opportunity to develop skills is important as algorithmic thinking, but to do so, We need to know the tools available to develop these skills effectively.
As usual, Thanks for your time! 😀
A kiss,
"Intelligence is not just knowledge, but also the ability to apply knowledge in practice "
Aristotle
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20Tags: algorithmic, Learn, tool, logical, Children, computer, thought, programming, program
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